The Calcutta High Court on Thursday (30 July) granted interim protection to Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and MP Abhishek Banerjee by directing the West Bengal Police not to take any coercive steps against him in connection with three criminal cases. The Court also instructed the investigating authorities to provide a complete list of all FIRs currently pending against him.
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya passed the interim order while hearing Banerjee's petition challenging multiple FIRs, which he claims were lodged after the change of government in West Bengal.
Background of the Case
Appearing for Banerjee, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan argued that a series of FIRs had been registered soon after the BJP government assumed office on May 4, 2026. He submitted that eleven complaints had been filed against his client, including three registered after the writ petition was moved before the High Court.
According to the petitioner, several complaints relate to incidents that allegedly took place years ago, including allegations concerning cyclone Amphan relief distribution, mining activities, and political speeches. The petitioner contended that the long delay in registration of the FIRs and the sequence in which they were filed indicated a pattern of politically motivated prosecution.
Court Observations
During the hearing, the State and Union opposed the maintainability of a single petition seeking relief against multiple FIRs. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju argued that Banerjee could not seek an omnibus order covering several criminal cases through one petition.
The Court noted that details of only three FIRs had been placed before it and decided to confine the present proceedings to those cases.
Questioning the circumstances, the Bench observed,
"Against an ordinary person so many FIRs are not registered."
At the same time, the Court made it clear that it was not inclined to restrain the registration of any future FIRs and that any additional cases would require appropriate pleadings before being considered.
The Bench also remarked,
"These complaints don't pin point the petitioner. It's at best conjecture... where is the necessity to take the petitioner into custody."
Interim Relief Granted
After hearing both sides, Justice Bhattacharyya directed the police not to take coercive steps against Banerjee in connection with Bhavanipur Police Station Case No. 121/2026 dated May 27, 2026, Kalitala Police Station Case No. 140/2026 dated June 16, 2026, and Bishnupur Police Station Case No. 668/2026 dated June 16, 2026.
The Court also directed the police authorities to furnish a list of all FIRs pending against Banerjee as on date.
Court's Decision
Without expressing any opinion on the merits of the allegations, the Calcutta High Court granted interim protection from coercive action in the three identified FIRs and directed the investigating authorities to provide the complete list of pending FIRs.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 6, 2026.
